Work from Home Provisions - Letter of Understanding - LOU

Sep 16, 2026

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This Letter of Understanding sets out work from home provisions between the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta. It addresses a dispute over work from home arrangements and establishes a “Without Prejudice” and “Without Precedent” agreement that does not affect future grievances. The scope is limited to specific academic and administrative roles, following the existing WFH framework in Appendix A and outlining purpose, guiding principles, eligibility, and key operational requirements.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages30

Reading Time11 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose

Guiding Principles

Definitions

Eligibility

Employee Considerations

Application and Approval

Regular Review

Hours of Work/Scheduling

Accountabilities

Training Requirements

Home Office Requirements

Compliance with University Policy and Procedures

Information Management-Security/Privacy

Information Management-Systems and Technology

Health and Safety

Employee Pay and Expenses

Work from Home (WFH) Application Form

Work from Home (WFH) Written Agreement

Letter of Understanding Between The Governors of the University of Alberta (the “University”) And The Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (the”Union”) Work from Home Provisions Whereas, the University and the Union are in disagreement regarding work from home provisions and the Union has filed grievances pursuant to Common Agreement Articles 14 and 15. These disputes are proceeding through the dispute resolution process. The parties are mutually desirous of entering into an agreement allowing defined workgroups access to work from home provisions without prejudicing either party in the aforementioned grievances. Therefore, the parties agree to enter into the following agreement allowing for work from home provisions to be implemented: 1. This agreement will be entered into on a “Without Prejudice” and “Without Precedent”basis. Neither party will reference this agreement in any future grievance, mediation or arbitration including any improvements or deficits in staff performance. 2. This agreement exclusively applies to the following positions: a. Administrative and Professional Officers (APO) b. Temporary Librarian and Administrative and Professional Officer (TLAPO) c. Trust / Research Academic Staff (TRAS) 3. The parameters of the agreement will follow the existing work from home framework currently in place at the University which can be found in Appendix A. The program offering will be effective one week from the signing of this agreement. The ongoing status of the program will be determined by the outcome of the aforementioned grievances or the University’s assessment of the ongoing viability of the program. 4. Any disputes arising from the implementation and operationalization of this LOU will be resolved through discussion between the parties. Unresolved disputes will be subject to Common Agreement Articles 14 and 15. This agreement is entered into on July 11 , 2022 On behalf of the University of Alberta Tanya Wick, Associate Vice President HRHSEThe University of Alberta On behalf of the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta Gordon Swaters President Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta Appendix A Work From Home Program Work From Home Program November 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS Purpose 2 Guiding Principles 3 Deﬁ nitions 5 Eligibility 6 Employee Considerations 7 Application and Approval 8 Regular Review 9 Hours of Work/Scheduling 10 Accountabilities 11 Training Requirements 13 Home Oﬃce Requirements 14 Compliance with University Policy and Procedures 15 Information Management-Security/Privacy 16 Information Management-Systems and Technology 17 Health and Safety 18 Employee Pay and Expenses 20 Work from Home (WFH) Application Form 21 Work from Home (WFH) Written Agreement 24 Work From Home Program | 2 Purpose The University of Alberta is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive work environment for its employees. In appropriate circumstances, approved by the university, this can include opportunities to work from home. The Work from Home (WFH) Program is intended to provide employees who are seeking ﬂexibi lity in work location to improve work-life balance while maintaining the necessary level of productivity, engagement and performance required by the university. The COVID-19 pandemic, changing operational needs, improvements in the use of technology and acceptance of a different model of working has created the opportunity for formal guidelines in implementing WFH Agreements. Guiding Principles The use of t he WFH Program is voluntary and mutually agreed upon between the Employee and the Manager before the Agreement is signed. Where a WFH Agreement is approved, the Agreement does not change the employee’s basic terms and conditions of employment with the university under the applicable collective agreement, employment contract, policies a

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Work from Home (WFH) Program described in the Appendix?

The program aims to provide employees with flexibility in work location to improve work-life balance while maintaining required productivity, engagement, and performance. Approved circumstances can include opportunities to work from home.

Is working from home voluntary under the guiding principles?

Yes. Use of the WFH Program is voluntary and requires mutual agreement between the employee and the manager before the agreement is signed.

Which positions does the Letter of Understanding apply to?

The agreement exclusively applies to Administrative and Professional Officers (APO), Temporary Librarian and Administrative and Professional Officer (TLAPO), and Trust/Research Academic Staff (TRAS).

Sep 16, 2026

Upload by Angel